Longitudinal transactions between fasting and negative urgency predict binge eating

Abstract

Fasting and  negative urgency  (the disposition to act rashly when distressed) are  risk factors  for binge eating. It may be that each influences the other over time to predict binge eating.

Objective

This study tested whether (1) fasting predicts binge eating through negative urgency, and (2) negative urgency predicts binge eating through fasting.

Method

Path analysis and mediation tests were used to investigate objectives in  n  = 302 college women assessed three times over eight months. We controlled for each variable at the previous time point, and concurrent negative affect and  body mass index  at each time point.

Results

Time 1 (T1) fasting predicted elevated negative urgency three months later at Time 2 (T2) and T2 negative urgency predicted increases in binge eating five months later at Time 3 (T3). T2 negative urgency mediated the relationship between T1 fasting and T3 binge eating. T1 negative urgency predicted increases in T2 fasting, which then predicted increases in T3 binge eating. T2 fasting mediated the relationship between T1 negative urgency and T3 binge eating.

Discussion

Findings suggest fasting and negative urgency transact to predict binge eating among college women. Interventions targeting negative urgency may prevent or reduce both fasting and binge eating.